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Turner continues battle for spot on Marlins' staff

Jacob Turner was expected to be a regular in Miami's rotation, but was demoted to Triple-A after struggling in Spring Training

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

JUPITER, Fla. -- More than one spot is open in the Marlins' rotation. The organization is using the final days of Spring Training to decide on the final two spots.

Jacob Turner, who entered camp as a favorite for one of the five spots, is competing for a spot. He's in the mix with Wade LeBlanc, Kevin Slowey and John Maine.

Two of the four are expected to fill the fourth and fifth slots. Slowey and Maine are non-roster invitees.

Turner, 21, has had an up-and-down Spring Training.

"It's still up in the air," manager Mike Redmond said. "He's still fighting for the fifth spot."

Turner has made three Grapefruit League starts, and he's 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA (10 runs in 8 1/3 innings). On Tuesday, the right-hander gave up four runs in five innings to the Cardinals. There was encouragement by his first three innings, which were scoreless.

The Marlins acquired Turner from the Tigers last July as part of the Omar Infante/Anibal Sanchez trade. The right-hander showed promise in 10 big league starts in 2012. In September, he posted a 2.63 ERA, and in his final start of the season, he gave up one run in 7 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Mets.

Turner's next start is Sunday against the Astros in Kissimmee.

"We've got to make sure he's ready and prepared to do the things it takes to make him successful in the big leagues," Redmond said.